Only After I Was Reborn Did I Realize That I Had Childhood Sweethearts

The band's first performance at the livehouse wasn't very satisfactory—this was something the band members had anticipated. After all, they still needed more practice and refinement.

But what troubled Xia Yuan the most at the moment was Liu Xiaoyu's personal condition.

Feeling that her own performance had been terrible, Liu Xiaoyu was hit hard by the debut and refused to continue serving as the lead vocalist no matter what.

"Xiaoyu really… it's okay, I don't think there was any problem at all! Can you reconsider it, please… Mhm mhm… I'll wait for you to rest for a few days, we're not in a rush with band practice or anything."

After hanging up the phone, Xia Yuan threw herself face-first onto the bed in her bedroom, kicking her feet in the air. At that moment, Mei Fang knocked gently on the door and asked:

"YuanYuan, I've boiled the hot water for you—do you want to soak your feet now?"

"Mmm… I'm coming."

Xia Yuan rolled over with a few grunts and climbed off the bed. Wearing her pink bunny slippers, she followed Mei Fang to the living room.

It was already late autumn in 2015, and even in the southern city of Pengcheng, a faint chill had crept in. Concerned for the health of the "Big Three," Liang Meijuan had specially sent them dried mugwort leaves from her hometown.

In the living room, Lin Youxi was fiddling with a new gadget—a type of electric foot bath bucket. After sorting it out, she arranged it for Xia Yuan.

"YuanYuan, come here. Sit down and try this."

"Ah—when did you guys buy a foot bath bucket? How come I didn't know anything about it…?"

Xia Yuan sat in the middle of the sofa. Just as she was about to roll up her pants and take off her socks, Mei Fang quickly crouched down beside her to assist.

"Ah Fang, don't always wait on me like this… I feel kind of bad."

"Do you really think he's waiting on you? He's just indulging in the sense of ritual, okay…"

Lin Youxi said this while connecting the foot bath's plug to the socket and began testing the functions.

"This foot bath bucket looks way more high-end than the ones I've seen online. It must've cost quite a bit, huh?"

Xia Yuan's feet were being gently massaged by Mei Fang. She half-closed her eyes in restraint and asked curiously:

"Youxi, did you only buy one?"

Lin Youxi nodded: "Mm, just bought one first to test the waters."

"I feel like using an electric appliance that holds water isn't very safe…"

"Which is exactly why you're testing the waters first," Lin Youxi smiled sweetly.

"Alright then, so what you're really trying to do is electrocute me so you can have Ah Fang all to yourself, right?"

"No way, you're my darling sweetheart—how could I ever bear to electrocute you?"

Lin Youxi teased her while pinching Xia Yuan's cheek. Mei Fang also explained from the side:

"Youxi and I just felt like YuanYuan's really been through a lot recently. Whether it's the back-and-forth with band practice or smoothing out team dynamics—we just wanted her to rest well at home—"

"Eeehhh—ouch ouch ouch ouch—so painful, Ah Fang—"

"You rascal, Ah Fang! How dare you hurt our precious YuanYuan?"

As Lin Youxi spoke, she raised her foot and stepped on Mei Fang's face, giving him a solid scolding.

As Xia Yuan's feet entered the foot bath bucket, the massage components at the bottom kneaded her soles into softness, and her entire body melted into a relaxed, cozy state.

"Phew… Soaking mugwort leaves in cold weather really is heaven. Auntie Liang is so thoughtful."

"Speaking of which, I think YuanYuan and I still call each other's moms 'Auntie,' don't we?"

Lin Youxi thought for a moment. "I think we can't just focus on maintaining a good relationship with our own moms—we also need to build connections between each other's moms. We shouldn't always center things around Ah Fang's family."

"That is kind of an issue…"

"Boohoo, are you two going to abandon me? Not play with me anymore?"

Carrying a wooden bucket, Mei Fang overheard their discussion and pretended to wail on the spot.

"It's not like we're excluding you—we just think we should also warm up our side a bit…"

Lin Youxi beckoned for Mei Fang to place the wooden bucket in front of her, then asked him to hand her her phone. She placed her feet on either side of the wooden bucket and picked up the phone to initiate a video call.

"You're calling Auntie Liang—uh, Mama Liang?"

"Yup, I call home once a week."

Lin Youxi was a bit surprised: "YuanYuan, don't you do that too?"

"I… usually it's my dad who calls me."

"Don't you ever run into awkward timing? Like, say you're doing the do with Ah Fang, and then suddenly your dad calls—"

"Ah? My dad tends to call pretty early, usually after dinner, so that timing is okay—"

Xia Yuan stopped mid-sentence as she saw Lin Youxi's call had connected. She immediately quieted down. On Lin Youxi's screen, Liang Meijuan's face appeared:

"Ah… Youxi!"

"Hi, Mom."

Lin Youxi smiled at her mother through the screen. "Have you eaten?"

"I have, I have. What about you guys?"

"We've eaten too."

As she spoke, Lin Youxi turned her phone camera toward Mei Fang. Mei Fang greeted Liang Meijuan calmly:

"Hello, Auntie Liang."

"Ah Fang's there too… Did you get the mugwort leaves I mailed you?"

"Yes, we got them! Youxi and YuanYuan are soaking their feet in them now."

As he spoke, Mei Fang turned the camera toward Xia Yuan. Xia Yuan took the phone and, a little nervously, greeted Liang Meijuan:

"Hello, Auntie Lia—Mama Liang! I'm soaking my feet right now."

She felt a bit awkward changing how she addressed her, so she quickly explained:

"Um, is it okay if I call you Mama Liang? Suddenly calling you 'Auntie' feels kind of distant, and we've known each other for so many years already…"

"Of course, of course! I'd be happy to have YuanYuan as my daughter."

At that moment, a mischievous idea struck Mei Fang. He leaned across Lin Youxi, popped his head into the frame beside Xia Yuan, and said:

"Then can I call you 'Mom' too? Auntie Liang, would you like a son? I'll give myself to you for free."

"Ah? Hahaha…"

"You rotten Ah Fang, get out of here! You're such a dog!"

Blushing, Xia Yuan shoved Mei Fang out of the frame. Mei Fang could only lie down across Lin Youxi's lap, and she started running her fingers through his hair like she was grooming a puppy.

Naturally, Liang Meijuan couldn't see her daughter and Mei Fang being all lovey-dovey off-screen. She still thought Lin Youxi and Xia Yuan were the oneslovelove-ing each other.

Although she was happy the three still shared such a close bond, she couldn't help but worry over whether she'd ever get to hold a grandchild someday.

After chatting with Liang Meijuan for a while, Xia Yuan handed the phone back to Lin Youxi. Mei Fang obediently got off her lap and squatted down to prepare her foot soak.

While enjoying the CEO-level service from her "C-Station president," Lin Youxi continued chatting with her mom.

"How's Dad's health these days?"

"Still the same. Other than a bit of asthma, everything else is fine."

"He's getting up there in age, so he shouldn't do too much heavy or strenuous work. You too, Mom. If you ever need help, I'll hire a maternity nanny to take care of you two."

"Oh, no no, don't you go overboard. Your dad and I are still perfectly capable—how are we old enough to need a maternity nanny? You silly girl, always joking around."

"Isn't it nice to have someone take care of things? It'd save you both a lot of trouble. You guys aren't in perfect health, and I'm so busy I can't be there to help out…"

As Lin Youxi said this, Mei Fang finished soaking her feet and began drying them off. Xia Yuan, meanwhile, was completely spacing out—lost in the sheer bliss of the foot bath's massage.

Listening to her daughter's concern, Liang Meijuan could only respond helplessly:

"What are you saying? You're just a sophomore in college. It's not your job to take care of us."

She shook her head and said, "Even when we're old, we won't need you to look after us. Just live your life well. As long as you and Ah Fang and YuanYuan aren't fighting, we're good."

"We're not. They both spoil me like crazy."

As Lin Youxi spoke, a slight blush rose to her cheeks and she wore an expression of slight restraint—because at that moment, Mei Fang was gently massaging the soles of her feet after the soak.

"What's wrong, Youxi? Are you feeling uncomfortable?"

On the other end, Liang Meijuan looked concerned. Lin Youxi waved her hand and explained:

"It's nothing… just that the water's a little hot."

"In autumn, you should soak your feet in hotter water. Your body's naturally weak—you're always cold in your hands and feet. Regular foot soaks help promote blood circulation, and when your period comes it won't hurt as much."

"Mm mm… I know."

Lin Youxi nodded, then laid back on the sofa and asked:

"What's Dad doing right now?"

"This moment he's watching TV… I'll hand the phone to him."

"Mhm."

Lin Youxi watched as Liang Meijuan stood up and turned the phone toward her father, Lin Guochuan, who was watching television.

"Old Lin, take a look—your daughter is video calling you."

"Uh… mm."

Lin Guochuan glanced at the image of Lin Youxi on the screen, his brows furrowing involuntarily:

"Are you lying down or sitting right now?"

"Lying down, of course."

"How are you supposed to soak your feet lying down? That's improper. Sit up."

"Nope, not doing it."

Even though he had been watching TV the whole time, he had clearly heard everything about the foot soaking.

Maybe… this is what being a dad means?

Mei Fang, who was busy drying Lin Youxi's feet, was mulling over these thoughts.

And faced with Lin Youxi's whining, Lin Guochuan seemed to have no way of dealing with her. After a pause, he said again:

"Lately… how have things been in Pengcheng?"

"Same as always."

"Getting along okay with Yuanyuan, with Ah Fang?"

"Still getting along just as well as before."

"Mm, that's good then."

"How about you? Have a lot of people come asking to borrow money again?"

"Why bring that up…"

"Bet you lent money to relatives again, didn't you? Let me guess… Third Uncle's family? Or Big Uncle? Don't tell me you lent to You Xiaobing again…"

"No…"

"How is he, anyway? Still gambling lately?"

"He's working at an auto repair shop now. Seems like life is going okay. Haven't heard anything about gambling."

"As long as he hasn't asked you for money, that's good."

"No, he hasn't borrowed."

"Mm, that's good then."

Hearing her father's reply, Lin Youxi's tone softened slightly.

"In winter, you can go to some southern cities to spend the season. Places like Sanya are quite nice, good for your health recovery."

"My health is just fine. You take care of yourself."

After saying that, Lin Guochuan seemed to think for a moment, his expression showing he wanted to say something but hesitated.

"Is there something else?"

"I wanted to ask if you have enough money. Anyway… don't be too frugal, don't shortchange yourself."

Upon hearing that, Lin Youxi suddenly burst into a chuckle.

"Alright… I get it. Even if I weren't, Ah Fang would take care of me. Mm, let's leave it at that."

"Mm… you hang up."

"I'm hanging up, okay?"

"Mm."

Lin Youxi hung up the video call and set the phone aside. At this moment, Mei Fang picked up the foot basin, ready to dump the water out, but Lin Youxi stopped her.

"Wait a sec, Ah Fang. You sit, I'll go dump the water."

"Oh… okay."

Mei Fang sat on the sofa, glancing at Yuanyuan, who was enjoying herself with a contented expression.

"This foot spa bucket feels that good? Don't soak too long though."

"Mm… got it! Ah Fang, dry me off."

As Xia Yuan spoke, she lifted her feet from the spa bucket and let Mei Fang use a dry towel to wipe them clean.

"Yuanyuan, is Xiao Yu still unwilling to return to being the lead singer?"

"Mm… she says she still needs time to think it over. If she's really not suited for it, then fine, but I think she's just putting too much pressure on herself. Just like I used to be—afraid of letting you guys down. Back then, it was you and Youxi who helped me open up, but I also don't want her to be left with any regrets."

"That's definitely a good mindset, but you also have to be careful not to just keep pushing her to the front stage. Knowing the reason is one thing, helping her overcome it is another."

"Actually, I do have an idea… I want to let Xiao Yu—"

Xia Yuan and Mei Fang were halfway through their conversation when Lin Youxi returned to the living room with a steaming wooden bucket. She set it down in front of Mei Fang.

"Here… Ah Fang, your turn to soak your feet."

"Uh… I-I can do it myself."

As she spoke, Mei Fang reached out to take the bucket, only to have Lin Youxi dodge her hand in mock disdain.

"What, like I'm only treating you especially nice today? Haven't I even helped you wash your hair before?"

"Well, that's true…"

Lin Youxi carried over a small stool and sat beside Mei Fang. Off to the side, Xia Yuan sat cross-legged, watching Lin Youxi attentively tend to Mei Fang's foot soak. Feeling idle, she suddenly thought she should do something too. She leaned on Mei Fang's shoulders, adjusted the sofa to recline, then straddled it from behind, letting Mei Fang rest into her embrace and began massaging her head.

"Come to think of it, Youxi's dynamic with her dad is quite interesting."

"How so?" Lin Youxi tilted her head.

Xia Yuan pondered a bit. "Even though you two never say anything particularly meaningful when you chat, you still seem to really enjoy tossing lines back and forth."

"Mm… with my dad's personality, it's not like he ever says anything particularly interesting."

"That may be so, but it's still a way for you two to bond."

Mei Fang chimed in, "I can feel the warm, mellow father-daughter affection. Our Youxi is such a filial child."

"I only video chatted with my dad, yet here I am helping you soak your feet."

Lin Youxi kneaded Mei Fang's calves, a teasing smile playing across her face: "Does that mean I'm even more filial to you, hmm? Ah·Fang·Dad·dy?"

"Aaah no no no… Don't do that, Youxi! Today's supposed to be a rest day!"

"Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore."

Lin Youxi spoke softly, "But my dad really is kind of boring. Compared to Mei Dad, he's way off."

"'Mei Dad'… that sounds so weird."

Lin Youxi nodded. "I think it sounds weird too. So I'll just call him Uncle Mei instead. Otherwise there'd be way too many dads to call."

"Seriously, that would make four dads."

Xia Yuan sighed, "Among all the dads though, Ah Fang's dad really is the most interesting one. Always spoiling Xiang Mama like that… Ah Fang's childhood must've been really happy."

"You, born with a silver spoon, are saying that to me?"

Mei Fang leaned back slightly. "I went through toughening-up education since I was little, okay? My dad and mom only act like that in front of you guys—they're not as perfect as you think."

"That's how parents are though, no big deal… My dad's the same—looks suave on the outside but actually gets petty over the tiniest things. My mom is… lately even more delicate than me, doesn't seem like an adult at all—"

As Xia Yuan talked, she pinched Mei Fang's cheek, a slightly annoyed expression on her face:

"Aiya, Ah Fang, stop rubbing like that—so annoying! You said today's a rest day, but you're not behaving!"

Xia Yuan had meant to scold her a little, but her right hand was caught by Mei Fang and pressed against her face for a few affectionate rubs.

"Today really is such a blissful day. I get to sleep cuddled up with my little childhood sweethearts, absorbing household-wife energy!"

"Just keep living in that dream, you…"

Xia Yuan tilted sideways, pulling Mei Fang into her embrace while softly humming a gentle tune. Lin Youxi continued sitting on the little stool, massaging and kneading Mei Fang's legs.

It really was a blissful day.

At that moment, inside the mind of Mei Dog:I bust my butt fighting tooth and nail in the IF Line, can't I at least enjoy myself here in the main line?